KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in tourist arrivals is a testament that people can still enjoy a holiday and take precautions to avoid being infected by the A(H1N1) flu virus.
Tourist arrivals in Malaysia increased despite the global economic slump and the pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) by 3.6% between January and July this year to 13.35 million tourists compared to 12.89 million people in the same period last year, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said.
“The figures are a testament that despite the global H1N1 pandemic, people still can enjoy a holiday and at the same time take precautions to avoid being infected,” she said in her speech read out by Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohamad Taiyab during the launch of Matta Fair 2009 here yesterday.
She added that the flu should not be a reason to halt all travelling, especially for those who were healthy and not in the high-risk group.
Dr Ng also told the national travel association to play a stronger role in developing local travel and holiday packages.
She said future fairs should consider allocating 50% of booth space to promoting domestic holiday packages, instead of the current 35%.
“From past experience, we have found that it is the domestic travellers who have really helped to sustain our tourism industry, especially in times of crises,” she said.
Matta caretaker president and fair adviser Ngiam Foon said the fair was all about stimulating travel through low prices while price-conscious customers were discerning enough to get deals that were value-for-money as well.
“The prices are ridiculously low. You may go to the fair without the intention to buy, but after seeing the prices, you will end up buying,” he said.
He added that the influenza pandemic would not have a major impact on sales because most travellers were aware of the precautions they needed to take to avoid getting infected.
“They’re discerning, educated and know how to take personal responsibility for their health.
“They are cautious but they would like to travel because many Malaysians have not travelled much this year,” he said.
The fair hosts 830 booths and 15 foreign tourism organisation including airlines, tour and cruise operators.
The public only need to pay a RM3 fee per entry to the fair, which opens from 10am to 9pm until Sunday.
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